Introduction to the Historic Win
A recent Powerball drawing has made headlines as an Oregon resident claimed a staggering $1.3 billion jackpot. This win marks the largest lottery prize ever won in the state. The winning ticket was purchased at a Plaid Pantry convenience store in northeast Portland. The winner, identified as Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, an immigrant from Laos, has been battling cancer for eight years.
Details of the Winning Ticket
The winning numbers for the April 6 drawing were 22, 27, 44, 52, 69, and the red Powerball number was 9. The jackpot had a cash value of $621 million if taken as a lump sum rather than annuity payments over thirty years. Saephan opted for the lump sum payment, which amounted to $422 million after taxes.
Press Conference and Winner’s Background
At a press conference held by the Oregon Lottery on April 29, 2024, in Salem, Oregon, Saephan spoke about his win. He was accompanied by his wife, Duanpen, and their friend, Laiza Chao. Saephan and his wife will split the prize evenly with Chao, who had contributed $100 to buy a batch of tickets with them.
Personal Remarks and Future Plans
Saephan expressed relief that he can now provide for his family and health needs. He mentioned that finding a good doctor for himself is a priority. As a cancer patient with two young children, Saephan wondered about how long he would live to spend the money. He also shared that his first big purchase will be his dream home in Oregon, where he has lived for 30 years.
Lottery Ticket Purchase and Winning Strategy
The winning ticket was bought at a Plaid Pantry convenience store in Portland in early April. Saephan had written down possible lottery numbers on paper, placed it under his pillow, and prayed for inspiration before the drawing. Chao was driving to work when Saephan called her to inform her they had won. Initially, she thought he was lying.
Immigration and Cultural Background
Saephan was born in Laos, moved to Thailand in 1987, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1994. He identifies as Iu Mien, an ethnic group from Southeast Asia with roots in southern China. Many Iu Mien assisted American forces during the Vietnam War, and post-war retribution led many families to settle in the U.S., especially along the West Coast.
Professional Background
Saephan graduated from high school in Portland in 1996 and worked as a machinist for an aerospace company. He went on disability in 2016 after being diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
Lottery Process and Regulations
The Oregon Lottery went through security vetting before announcing the winner’s identity. Under Oregon law, lottery winners cannot remain anonymous except under specific conditions. Winners have one year to claim their prize.
Historical Context of the Jackpot
The $1.3 billion prize is the fourth largest Powerball jackpot ever and the eighth largest among U.S. jackpot games. The largest U.S. lottery jackpot won was $2.04 billion in California in 2022. This win is unprecedented for the Oregon Lottery, with previous largest prizes being $340 million in 2005 and $150.4 million in 2018.
Statements and Reactions
Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells congratulated the winner on this life-changing moment. He highlighted that even non-winning players support statewide programs funded by lottery dollars. The convenience store that sold the winning ticket received a $100,000 bonus, which managers plan to share with their employees.
Verification and Prize Distribution
The drawing was delayed by more than three hours to complete required procedures. Powerball game rules require every ticket sold nationwide to be checked and verified against two different computer systems before the winning numbers are drawn. This delay marks the second time such an issue has occurred for a huge Powerball jackpot within the past seventeen months.
Conclusion
The recent Powerball win in Oregon has not only changed the life of Cheng “Charlie” Saephan and his family but also made history in the state. With a lump sum payment of $422 million after taxes, Saephan can now focus on his health and providing for his family. This win serves as a reminder of the life-changing potential of lottery games and the importance of responsible participation.
